During 2012, approximately 19.2 million pounds of chemicals were released in the six New England states, a reduction of about 501,393 pounds – down 2.55 percent from 2011. In Rhode Island, 89 facilities in 2012 reported approximately 266,558 pounds of pollutants emitted, a decrease of 17,307 pounds, or 26.7 percent.

Each year, EPA makes public Toxic Release Inventory data reported by industries throughout the United States regarding chemical releases to air, water and land by power plants, manufacturers and other facilities which employ 10 or more workers and exceed thresholds for chemicals.

The top chemicals released to the environment on- and off-site during 2012 in Rhode Island were, in order of pounds emitted: copper compounds, chromium compounds, methanol, toluene and zinc compounds. •

Get the most up-to-date data on the Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts business community from the PBN List Center. Download and purchase PBN Lists as well as the complete Book of Lists in Excel format.